Looking for Critiques on my new watercooled build before i buy please

aes012 · Dec 22, 2014

Hi
Im looking for Critiques on a watercooled system Im looking at building in the new year.
It will be mainly for Gaming playing skyrim with mods on ultra with HD texture mods as well as the Crysis games on high to ultra. And well some overclocking thrown in. (cant help myself)

I already have a monitor and keyboard but will be buying another 2 monitors later on (Maybe)

Thanks for your help

Cheers

[ url=http://au.pcpartpicker.com/user/usernamealreadyexits/saved/X4hG3C ]

babernet_1 · Dec 23, 2014

STOP!!!

You are throwing away thousands on unreliable water cooling. Not to be done on your first computer. The following build will bury your build at a much lower cost:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($485.00 @ CPL Online)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($85.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($365.00 @ CPL Online)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($249.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($269.00 @ CPL Online)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($165.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($765.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($765.00 @ CPL Online)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2-W ATX Full Tower Case ($135.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($299.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($175.00 @ CPL Online)
Mouse: Saitek CCB437080002/04/1 Wired Laser Mouse ($114.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $3871.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-23 16:07 EST+1100

About $1,400 cheaper with six cores that can easily overclocked to 4.2GHz and higher. You need more cores for future proofing. The latest graphics standard will use extra cores much more efficiently.

That Noctua cooler is all you need.

Ram is low profile so you can fit the cooler with no issues.

Motherboard will fit everything and is good quality.

If you can, get a Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB.

No need for two HDD's. Get one top quality 2TB one.

The 980s have more graphics power which you will need if going to three displays.

No power supply is better than that one. 1000W is plenty.

The case has a side fan to keep your graphics cards cool and is far cheaper.

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

Is there some reason you have a 1250w PSU when all you need is an 850w unit, even with the GPUs and CPU overclocked? Maybe even only a 750w unit if it's a very good PSU.

An EVGA G2 850w PSU will easily run that configuration and be much less expensive, and probably a better unit, than the XFX, which is a very good unit too but WAY overkill. The recommended capacity for a single 970 is only 550w and for two is only 700w, with no overclocking. With overclocking, 850w is plenty.

Now if you're planning to add a third card later AND overclock all three cards and the CPU, it might make sense to go with a 1000w unit, even though triple SLI for that card only requires an 850w supply.

I see a few other financial blunders there as well, but it's your money and you might have good reasons for some choices like the Corsair Platinum modules that aside from lighted heatsinks don't really offer any performance advantages whatsoever.

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

I'm not sure why you recommended that particular build, but personally, I wouldn't use a Haswell-E or X99 configuration. They're a waste of money that the benchmarks show offer little or no actual benefit over the Haswell refresh i7's when it comes to gaming. Just a waste unless you need the linear computational advantage for other applications.

I will agree with you that liquid cooling is probably a waste of money though, on that particular configuration that's isn't going to run all that hot to start with.

babernet_1 · Dec 23, 2014

Darkbreeze :

Check out DirectX12 vs DirectX11. 12 allows far better multiple core usage than 11 does. Looking forward, we are going to see developers use those extra cores. I am assuming after spending nearly 4,000 he will want this thing to work for years.

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

I'd be highly willing to bet that there will be no gaming titles released in the next three to five years that are going to outrun the capabilities of the 4790K. If you're going with three or more cards, M.2 storage and other PCI greedy hardware, Haswell-E might make sense going forward, except that the 5820K only has minimal PCI lanes, so out of all the models in that series, that one makes the least sense for any reason aside from price. In which case, the 4790k makes even more sense.

babernet_1 · Dec 23, 2014

Darkbreeze :

Well, the 5820K has 28 channels vs 16 PCIE. So it is better than the 4790K in that respect. Judging from his 5,000 budget, I assumed he wasn't counting pennies. For a best value high performance build I'd do something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($425.00 @ Centre Com)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($85.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($188.00 @ IJK)
Memory: Kingston 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($175.00 @ IJK)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($145.00 @ IJK)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($165.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($499.00 @ IJK)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($499.00 @ IJK)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2-W ATX Full Tower Case ($135.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($299.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($175.00 @ CPL Online)
Mouse: Saitek CCB437080002/04/1 Wired Laser Mouse ($114.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $2904.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-23 16:46 EST+1100

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

I'd probably do something similar to this, but you could remove the Noctua CPU cooler and use liquid cooling if you wanted. The GTX 970's don't need it though, even overclocked. They run way cooler than previous high end cards. Even overclocked that i7 isn't going to be a heat monster either. So if you have deep pockets and just want to do it for looks or bragging rights, that's fine, but don't do it just because you think it's necessary.

I also wouldn't use those AF120's. At 30db they're gonna sound like a turbine testing facility at full load. The Noctua's are still 26db at full load, but less is better. Plus you had about double the number of fans you needed since those AF's came in two packs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($425.00 @ Centre Com)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.00 @ CPL Online)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($269.00 @ CPL Online)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Elite 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($195.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($269.00 @ CPL Online)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.00 @ Centre Com)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.00 @ Centre Com)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($519.00 @ Centre Com)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($519.00 @ Centre Com)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Series Primo Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case ($279.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($185.00 @ CPL Online)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM 82.5 CFM 140mm Fan ($29.00 @ PLE Computers)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM 82.5 CFM 140mm Fan ($29.00 @ PLE Computers)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM 82.5 CFM 140mm Fan ($29.00 @ PLE Computers)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM 82.5 CFM 140mm Fan ($29.00 @ PLE Computers)
Mouse: Saitek CCB437080002/04/1 Wired Laser Mouse ($114.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $3103.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-23 16:43 EST+1100

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

And that Thor V2 case is a great budget full tower, but I wouldn't use it for a high end build. You also forgot to fill the empty fan locations on it. It doesn't come with all the case fan locations filled.

babernet_1 · Dec 23, 2014

Darkbreeze :

Normally I don't go into that much detail. Good call though. What do you not like about the Thor V2 case? I was planning to buy it for my next upgrade.

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

I didn't say I don't like it, I do, for a budget full tower case it's very decent. There really isn't a lot to not like about it. The Phanteks Enthoo Primo is just a better overall unit. But it's also twice the price, at least down under. Probably here in the states too.

I also likely wouldn't use the Z97-A on his build either. Again, it's a great budget board, but despite the fact of trying to revise the build to be less expensive, I don't think we're talking budget build, per se. And actually, if the OP likes his build the way he has it, for whatever reasons, aside from the overkill PSU, way too many extremely loud case fans and extremely overpriced Corsair case and RAM, it's ok too.

The Sabertooth is a good board, but I wouldn't pay more for it than the Hero just because it has "thermal armor" which is a pointless addition in my opinion. But for aesthetics, it might be desirable. We get so used to making recommendations based on budgets that we sometimes forget that some people aren't necessarily making decisions based on the same criteria.

babernet_1 · Dec 23, 2014

Darkbreeze :

I didn't say I don't like it, I do, for a budget full tower case it's very decent. There really isn't a lot to not like about it. The Phanteks Enthoo Primo is just a better overall unit. But it's also twice the price, at least down under. Probably here in the states too.

I also likely wouldn't use the Z97-A on his build either. Again, it's a great budget board, but despite the fact of trying to revise the build to be less expensive, I don't think we're talking budget build, per se. And actually, if the OP likes his build the way he has it, for whatever reasons, aside from the overkill PSU, way too many extremely loud case fans and extremely overpriced Corsair case and RAM, it's ok too.

The Sabertooth is a good board, but I wouldn't pay more for it than the Hero just because it has "thermal armor" which is a pointless addition in my opinion. But for aesthetics, it might be desirable. We get so used to making recommendations based on budgets that we sometimes forget that some people aren't necessarily making decisions based on the same criteria.

Yes, it'd be nice to hear something from aes012. Are we on the same page with him?

aes012 · Dec 23, 2014

Wow ok thanks for the quick replies
Ok first up the watercooling is a personl thing i think its not for bragging rights or anything its just something i like to say i have tried I have a theme in mind It is more for me .
The power supply was a mistake i drop down one to many was going 1000w but 850w would be even better!! should really have doubled checked
As for the RAM well not sure really Iam always open to suggestions as you guys have already shown me a few alternatives I thank you.
Another one is the mother board yes it is for the look as well the cpu is not 100%but looking more for performance and overclocking ability just not into the red and black theme of the rog series boards. the fans i was not aware of thanks for the heads up i will look into the noctura fans its a shame the gentle typhoons are not made anymore. the case is really to house everything i want in it i was also looking at the Phanteks Enthoo Primo Ultimate Chassis but may not be big enough ??
This really is my dream build to last a few years so yeah so other suggestions on equipment or if you think there is a better cpu or components for gaming/overclocking im open to suggestions
once again thanks

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

I can't imagine anything that wouldn't fit into the Enthoo Primo, but if you feel it's not big enough, you might also consider the Cooler Master Cosmos II which is still much cheaper than the 900D and is just freaking giant. Also very well constructed and has ANY feature you could possibly require.

It's actually a bit bigger on both height and length, and quite a bit wider.

Trossa · Dec 23, 2014

Enthoo Primo is the best enthusiast case on the market, hands down. These phanteks fans are pretty sweet by the way.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($425.00 @ Centre Com)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.00 @ CPL Online)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($269.00 @ CPL Online)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($215.00 @ CPL Online)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($269.00 @ CPL Online)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($98.00 @ Centre Com)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($765.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($765.00 @ CPL Online)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Series Primo Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case ($279.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($185.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($119.00 @ CPL Online)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_BK 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_BK 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_BK 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140HP_BK 88.6 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Mouse: Saitek CCB437080002/04/1 Wired Laser Mouse ($114.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $3668.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-23 20:49 EST+1100

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

I don't know if I'd go that far. Lian Li makes a couple of cases that I'd put above the Primo, and the Cosmos II is damn nice, but I'll agree there's not many.

aes012 · Dec 23, 2014

sorry for late reply guys. Iam do like the primo more than the 900d more stylish actually.
The other thing is should i go to SLI 980's or stick with the 970's would there mor3e of a difference performance wise?. Would you notice?

Cheers

aes012 · Dec 23, 2014

also with the ram is there any reason why i could not use cosair xms3 ram same cas etc is there a difference

cheers

Darkbreeze · Dec 23, 2014

Overclocked 970's are on par with stock 980's in most cases, and a lot cheaper, but overclocked 980's are more powerful. It just depends on whether stock performance is sufficient, which for 90% of titles and configurations it is, or whether you plan to go the extra mile and have multiple monitors or 4K resolutions.

As for the Corsair memory, I prefer using Kingston, Crucial and Mushkin personally as they all manufacture and assemble their own modules. Corsair assembles their modules using components from multiple sources and while there is nothing wrong with that, I prefer buying from a source that controls the entire product from beginning to end. Corsair does the same thing with their power supplies, somebody else builds them and they slap their name on them. And generally their budget stuff sucks and the offerings they have that ARE good, are usually overpriced compared to other brands with similar performance and quality.

On the other hand, their cases are decent and they do have a few product areas where they have better offerings than many of their competitors.

babernet_1 · Dec 23, 2014

aes012 :

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_980_SLI/1.html

This review compares the 970 SLI vs 980 SLI.

aes012 · Dec 24, 2014

Darkbreeze :

Thanks mate for your help Well I did not know that I will look into the Crucial ram then.

Babernet_1

Thanks for the link I Think I will try to stretch the budget to include 2 980's

cheers and Merry Xmas

Looking for Critiques on my new watercooled build before i buy please

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